Handicaps - what is the point?

[True Blue]

Early morning discussion for you all.

Why do we bother having a handicap system? If the answer is to enable everyone to compete on the same level then that is just, for want of a better word and apologies to LGL, B*llocks.

Example of this...3/4 in most stableford comps so a 28 handicapper gets stripped of 7 shots and plays off 21 against a 2 handicapper that plays off.....errrrr....1.5, oh that's 2!

Where is the justice in that?

[3puttwizard]

Come on Rob you can do better than this 

Go have a pie and calm down 

[True Blue]

Come on Rob you can do better than this 

Go have a pie and calm down 

Off the pies at the moment have to lose 8 lbs by Christmas...2 weeks to go and only need to lose 10 lbs to go....

[Stu-Pid]

Example of this...3/4 in most stableford comps so a 28 handicapper gets stripped of 7 shots and plays off 21 against a 2 handicapper that plays off.....errrrr....1.5, oh that's 2!

Where is the justice in that?

There is no justice, but that's because 3/4 handicaps basically go against CONGU regulations if it is a singles competition.  All single comps should be off full HC, with the only adjustments being made in team competitions such as foursomes or 4BBB.

I'd encourage anyone who is forced to play off 3/4 HC in a singles competition to print off this page and show it to the committee.

[Tin Pot]

Early morning discussion for you all.

Why do we bother having a handicap system? If the answer is to enable everyone to compete on the same level then that is just, for want of a better word and apologies to LGL, B*llocks.

Example of this...3/4 in most stableford comps so a 28 handicapper gets stripped of 7 shots and plays off 21 against a 2 handicapper that plays off.....errrrr....1.5, oh that's 2!

Where is the justice in that?

3/4 handicap is outdated, outmoded, and it's not golf.

The handicap allows me to play competitively against much better golfers.  I have friends who play racket sports, cycle or do long distance running - I can't take part unless I also dedicated ten years getting to their level, it's not a challenge or fun for them to have a novice mess up their day.  Golf should be revered for the handicapping system, not abohrred.

In my opinion, the reason it gets so much stick is that people forget that handicap golf is amateur it's fun, it lets your friends compete.  It's not about finding the best golfer of the day.

[3puttwizard]

In my opinion, the reason it gets so much stick is that people forget that handicap golf is amateur it's fun, it lets your friends compete.  It's not about finding the best golfer of the day.

[stokes fire]

Rubbish I've seen you in action and you get the hump if you lose.

You were off an inflated handicap anyway so 3/4 brought you down to your ability anyways 

[/stokes fire]

[Tin Pot]

[stokes fire]

Rubbish I've seen you in action and you get the hump if you lose.

You were off an inflated handicap anyway so 3/4 brought you down to your ability anyways 

[/stokes fire]

Nice try, but my comments are directed about rage against handicaps - I've never complained my handicap is too low.

Rage against playing crappy golf is Real Golf in action  

[True Blue]

There is no rage against the Handicap system it is against the people who then want to take a quarter of it away! Having said that I still believe there should be a mximum handicap of 18.

[MisterS3]

There is no rage against the Handicap system it is against the people who then want to take a quarter of it away!

who are these people....lets send Stu round to sort them out

Having said that I still believe there should be a mximum handicap of 18.

I'm sure a few people off 28 would rather than 3/4's than your new rule

[Tin Pot]

There is no rage against the Handicap system it is against the people who then want to take a quarter of it away!

There is rage from those who try to uphold 3/4 difference nonsense.

Having said that I still believe there should be a mximum handicap of 18.

You really think an effective scratch match between myself and a current 28 handicap holder would be fair and competitive?

[BigJim]

There is no rage against the Handicap system it is against the people who then want to take a quarter of it away!

Shall we do a name and shame of the MSG culprits? (Or just check back on any of the event discussion threads....?)

[georgiemac]

There is no rage against the Handicap system it is against the people who then want to take a quarter of it away! Having said that I still believe there should be a mximum handicap of 18.

Says the man who not so long ago was playing off 19

[True Blue]

Says the man who not so long ago was playing off 19

...and always played off scratch with his 11 handicap partner

[Mike]

Was there / is there anything to support the 3/4 handicap idea? I mean whilst I understand handicaps are set off the white competition tees isn't it a crude fudge to say 3/4 off the yellow tees?

Just interested to know the background behind the 3/4 idea. I've never played in a 3/4 stableford comp myself and didn't actually think they existed until I read the Scots comp thread.

[BigJim]

Was there / is there anything to support the 3/4 handicap idea? I mean whilst I understand handicaps are set off the white competition tees isn't it a crude fudge to say 3/4 off the yellow tees?

Just interested to know the background behind the 3/4 idea. I've never played in a 3/4 stableford comp myself and didn't actually think they existed until I read the Scots comp thread.

You'd really need to ask Keve and GolfBhoy, I think that they were the inventors of the system.....